Hand techniques with tsuba

[waves4ryan]

I was reading "Classical Weaponry of Japan" (Serge Mol), which briefly described tsuba technique as a hand held self-defense weapon. It wasn't the sort where someone simply employed a random tsuba, but rather purposefully prepared it for hand use. I have yet to read of such applications and am having a difficult time understanding how a round, light-weight, blunt object would be so effective (as say, a tessen) in yawara-type techniques. Can someone shed light on this? Thanks. Ryan

[Tiger Ed]

Ryan,

Do you have the ISBN number for the book at all, (If it has one) as I am interested.

My instructors do teach us some methods to defend and remove yourself from attackers taking hold of you, your tsuba, saya etc. Is this what you mean?

[Jock Armstrong]

I think he means on its own, hand held, like a yawara or kubotan.

[jest]

I doubt most tsuba would make practical yawara, but there are probably exceptions (maybe the "musashi" tsuba?)

This thing would probably pack a good fistload weight...

[Tiger Ed]

I know the Goran Iaito/Mushashi with the open tsuba can be put to good use with fingers and the wrist...dislocations breaks etc.

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Tiger Ed
Do you have the ISBN number for the book at all, (If it has one) as I am interested.
Here is a link to an Amazon.com page for this book:

Classical Weaponry of Japan by Serge Mol (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/4770029411/qid=1091564861/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/102-7883665-7858540?v=glance&s=books)

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/4770029411.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[Tiger Ed]

Thanks fella, you can never have enough books.

[Gattsu]

...beside the tsuba issue, what do you think about the book? I'm planning to buy it but if its not worth it...;)

thanx

[waves4ryan]

That's the one. Thanks for all of your thoughts on the tsuba issue...interesting. I think the book is well-written, nicely illustrated and to the extent that it can be, all inclusive. I'd buy it at the price of Amazon, but not for $40 through the local bookstore.

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Gattsu
...beside the tsuba issue, what do you think about the book? I'm planning to buy it but if its not worth it...;)
I found it to be worth adding to my library.

It offers some insight into less commonly known weapons and tactics of the Samurai and other Japanese warriors.

I don't know much about the qualifications of the author, and some have cast doubt about the qualifications/legitimacy of his sensei (Fumon Tanaka), but as an author, at least, he seems to me to have done a good job.

I give it a solid "Buy" rating. (But I buy almost everything.)

[Gattsu]

[i]Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi

I don't know much about the qualifications of the author, and some have cast doubt about the qualifications/legitimacy of his sensei (Fumon Tanaka), but as an author, at least, he seems to me to have done a good job.

I give it a solid "Buy" rating. (But I buy almost everything.) [/B]


...thanx...just another small OT, what about the book "Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice" by Fumon Tanaka? Does anybody have any opinions or commentary?!
thanx again

[Brian Owens]

Originally posted by Gattsu
...thanx...just another small OT, what about the book "Samurai Fighting Arts: The Spirit and the Practice" by Fumon Tanaka? Does anybody have any opinions or commentary?
The first few chapters have some material and photographs on samurai history; development of the sword, including photos of some unusual precursors to the katana; samurai attire during different periods; etc.

The majority of the book is devoted to explanations of the techniques of Mr. Tanaka's style, and -- as with all such material -- I find it's value to be limited. If I were a student of that style it might be different.

Still, just for the material at the beginning, I would consider this a good addition to a library if you have money to spare.

"(But I buy almost everything.)" ;)

[Gattsu]

Originally posted by Yagyu Kenshi
[B]The first few chapters have some material and photographs on samurai history; development of the sword, including photos of some unusual precursors to the katana; samurai attire during different periods; etc...


Thanx...saved me some money :D